Managing MOT and Vehicle Tax

Understand What MOT and Vehicle Tax Are

Before diving into the steps, it's important to understand what MOT and vehicle tax are:

• MOT (Ministry of Transport Test): This is an annual test to check if your vehicle is safe to drive and meets environmental standards. In the UK, most vehicles over 3 years old need an MOT each year.

• Vehicle Tax: This is a fee paid to the government to legally drive your vehicle on the road. You must tax your vehicle every year or every 6 months (depending on how you pay).

Find Out When Your MOT and Vehicle Tax Are Due

Check Your MOT Due Date

You can find out when your vehicle’s MOT is due in these ways:

• MOT certificate: If your vehicle already has an MOT, check the MOT certificate for the expiry date.

• Previous MOT: If you’ve had an MOT done before, the details (including the next due date) should be on any previous paperwork or emails.

• Online Check:

• Visit the UK Government’s MOT checker website: GOV.UK MOT History Checker.

• Enter your vehicle registration number (the number plate) and it will tell you the MOT expiry date.

• Your car: If you have the MOT test number from previous MOT paperwork, you can use it to find the details online.

Check Your Vehicle Tax Due Date

You can find your vehicle tax due date and make sure it’s up to date in these ways:

• Vehicle Tax Reminder: You will usually receive a reminder from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) when your vehicle tax is due.

• Online Check: Visit the GOV.UK Vehicle Tax Checker and enter your vehicle registration number. This will tell you the tax status, the due date, and whether it’s paid.

How to Sort Your MOT and Vehicle Tax

Getting Your MOT Done

1. Find an MOT test center: Search for a nearby authorised MOT test center online. You can find a list of official MOT centers on the GOV.UK MOT testing page.

2. Call or book online: Call the MOT center or book your appointment online. You’ll need to have your vehicle details, like registration number or make and model, ready.

3. Prepare your vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before the test (e.g., working lights, tyres, brakes). If you're unsure, it’s worth asking someone you trust to check it or have a mechanic do a quick check before your MOT appointment.

4. Attend the MOT appointment: On the day of your appointment, drive your vehicle to the test center. They will perform the MOT and let you know the results.

5. MOT Certificate: If your vehicle passes, you will receive a certificate showing the expiry date of your next MOT. If it fails, you’ll need to arrange repairs and retake the test.

6. Important: You can legally drive your vehicle to the MOT test even if the MOT has expired, but only if you have an appointment booked.

Paying for Vehicle Tax

Online:

1. Go to the GOV.UK Tax Your Vehicle page and select "Tax your vehicle."

2. Enter your vehicle registration number (the number plate).

3. Review your details and choose how to pay (e.g., monthly, 6 months, or annually).

4. Payment options: You can pay via credit or debit card. You can also set up a direct debit for monthly payments.

5. Once paid, you’ll receive confirmation, and you can print the receipt if you need it.

Paying by Phone: You can also pay for your vehicle tax by calling the DVLA at 0300 123 4321 (UK). Have your vehicle registration number and payment details ready.

Paying by Post: If you prefer, you can tax your vehicle by sending a cheque to the DVLA, but online is often the easiest way.

Vehicle Tax Reminder: Make sure to keep track of when your vehicle tax is due, especially if you're setting up monthly payments or waiting for a reminder. You will receive a tax reminder each year, but it’s always helpful to keep an eye on your own due dates online.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford MOT or Vehicle Tax

If you’re struggling financially, you might have options to help:

1. MOT: If you fail your MOT and need repairs, you may be able to get help with payment through charities or support services that assist people with disabilities or financial difficulties.

2. Vehicle Tax: The government doesn’t usually offer direct financial assistance for vehicle tax, but there are other options such as applying for a Direct Debit. This lets you pay monthly for your vehicle tax, which may make it more manageable.

3. Apply for Vehicle Excise Duty Exemption: If your vehicle is used for specific purposes (e.g., a wheelchair-accessible vehicle), you may qualify for an exemption from tax.

What to Do If You Need to Claim on Your MOT or Tax

If something goes wrong, such as:

• You forget to pay your vehicle tax.

• You fail your MOT due to an unexpected issue.

If You Forget to Tax Your Vehicle

• Fines: You may receive a fine if you don’t tax your vehicle on time. The fine for not having valid vehicle tax can be substantial.

• How to Resolve: Pay the outstanding tax as soon as possible.

• If you’ve received a fine, you can pay this online via the GOV.UK website.

• If you disagree with the fine, you can contact the DVLA to explain your situation and see if they’ll reduce or cancel the fine.

If You Fail Your MOT

• Failing your MOT: If your car fails the MOT, the test center will give you a list of faults and what needs to be repaired.

• What to do: Get the necessary repairs done and rebook your MOT test. Some repair shops may even offer a free retest if they fix the problems.

• If the repair is expensive and you can’t afford it, ask the test center or a mechanic for advice. Some charitable organisations help with repairs for people in need.

Keep Records

• Keep paperwork: Keep a copy of your MOT certificate, vehicle tax payment, and receipts in a safe place. This will help if you need to reference them later or prove you have a valid MOT or tax.

• Set reminders: Set calendar reminders on your phone or computer for when your MOT and vehicle tax are due. This helps you stay on top of things and avoid last-minute stress.

Summary Checklist

1. Check when your MOT and tax are due:

2. Use GOV.UK MOT and Vehicle Tax checkers online.

3. Check your MOT certificate and previous reminders.

4. Book your MOT at an approved test center and prepare your vehicle.

5. Pay for your vehicle tax online or by phone.

6. If you can’t afford it, look into direct debit payments, financial support, or exemptions.

7. If you need to claim or deal with a fine:

• Pay any fines immediately.

• Get repairs done if you fail your MOT and rebook the test.

Keep your records and set up reminders for next year.

Final Thoughts

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to manage your MOT and vehicle tax with less stress. Take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask someone you trust for help if you need it!